Judge refuses to overturn Scruggs conviction

HARTFORD  A Superior Court judge on Monday rejected two motions that sought to reverse the conviction of a Meriden woman in connection with her sons suicide.

Associated Press

Published 12:00 am, Tuesday, March 9, 2004

Judith Scruggs, 52, was found guilty on Oct. 6 of risk of injury to a minor in the January 2002 death of her 12-year-old son, Daniel.

Scruggs maintained the boy committed suicide because he was the target of constant bullying at school. But prosecutors argued Scruggs was at fault because she kept a filthy house and failed to provide the boy with a way to maintain hygiene.

After the trial, jurors said evidence that Scruggs knew the boy kept knives under his bed played a key role in the conviction.

Scruggs attorney, Reese Norris, asked the judge to overturn the verdict, claiming there was not enough evidence that her actions contributed to the boys death.

Norris said his client is disappointed and depressed by the judges decision.

"She was certainly hopeful this nightmare would end for her," he said.

Norris also moved for a mistrial based on statements made by a juror to the media after the verdict. The juror was quoted as saying that the possibility Scruggs would sue the city over her sons death figured in his decision to convict Scruggs. The juror later recanted those statements.

Judge Stephen F. Frazzini rejected both motions.

In the ruling, Frazzini said that while there was conflicting evidence whether Scruggs maintained a suitable home for her son, the jury could have reasonably found that the defendant "provided a cluttered, squalid, fetid home that endangered the health of her son."

The ruling also said there was no improper bias or prejudice by jurors that could warrant a new trial.

Norris said he would appeal the decision.

Scruggs faces up to 10 years in prison. No sentencing date has been set.